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Global South unity on display at BRICS summit, leaders avoid criticising Russia
The BRICS leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6 for the annual meeting, where they condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US airstrikes on Iran and Ukraine’s drone strikes on trains, but not Russia's war in Ukraine.
Moldova urges EU to begin accession talks ahead of September elections
Deputy PM Cristina Gherasimov argued an early start to accession talks would demonstrate tangible progress to voters and help counter Russian-backed disinformation.
Kremlin to replenish National Welfare Fund by RUB1.3tn in June, enough to cover the budget deficit, despite oil revenue pressures
The Kremlin has replenished the National Welfare Fund (NWF) with a new RUB1.3tn ($14.9bn) injection in June, as the Ministry of Finance credited long-delayed foreign exchange proceeds and gold reserves purchased last year.
BRICS leaders gather in Rio to challenge Western dominance
Leaders from the BRICS group have convened in Rio de Janeiro for their 17th annual summit, casting the expanded bloc as a counterweight to Western institutions whilst grappling with internal divisions over key geopolitical flashpoints.
Iran's most damaged airport resumes operations after 23-day closure
Iran's Tabriz Airport has received approval to resume commercial aviation services following extensive damage sustained from Israeli airstrikes
100,000 Syrian refugees voluntarily return from Jordan
Jordan’s Minister of Interior, Mazen Al-Faraya, announced that approximately 97,000 Syrian refugees have returned voluntarily from Jordan to Syria since the beginning of this year.
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Bomb threat forces evacuation of Kosovo's parliament
Incident comes amid a deepening political impasse as lawmakers have repeatedly failed to elect a new speaker since the February general election.
17th ECO summit in Azerbaijan: a wrap-up
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) took place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, with the first international visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since Israel's bombing of the country
Russia launches intense long-range missile strikes and drone barrage targeting Ukrainian infrastructure
Russia has launched the most intense missile and drone strikes on key Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the weekend that is growing in ferocity, focusing on the dwindling air defences installations, logistics hubs, and ammunition depots.
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Three Turkish opposition mayors arrested as Erdoğan’s crackdown intensifies
Three prominent mayors from Turkey’s main opposition party Republican People’s Party were arrested on the morning of July 5, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cracks down on his political opponents ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Russia becomes first country to formally recognise Taliban government in Afghanistan
Russia has formally recognised the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in August 2021, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on July 4.
Trump-Zelenskiy call discusses air defence ammo as US pauses some arms deliveries
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a telephone conversation on July 4 and discussed the future defence cooperation and halt in delivery of American weapons.
Estonia declines airBaltic stake offer amid airline's financial challenges
Estonia has decided against purchasing a stake in Latvia's flag carrier airBaltic, Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis announced on July 3.
Outrage after Serbian president pardons men who broke student’s jaw
Anger has grown after President Aleksandar Vucic pardoned four men accused of attacking a student in Novi Sad earlier this year – one of whom broke her jaw.
Antarctic cold wave triggers energy crisis across South America
South America is grappling with an unprecedented energy crisis as record-breaking cold temperatures have forced governments to ration gas supplies and activate emergency protocols across Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
Syria unveils new national emblem featuring golden eagle
Syria's transitional government has launched a new national visual identity centred on the Syrian Golden Eagle emblem during a ceremony at Damascus's People's Palace on July 3.
Turkey's Erdoğan calls for developing relations with new Syria leadership
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for developing relations with Syria's new authorities at the 17th ECO Summit in Azerbaijan's Khankendi.
Denmark takes over EU presidency, vows to support Ukraine’s accession
Denmark has taken over the European Union’s rotating presidency and pledged to support Ukraine's bid to join the bloc while warning it may seek to nix Hungary’s EU voting rights if it continues to veto the vote.
Turkey’s first lady meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican
The meeting was held during Erdogan’s visit to attend the “Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism” programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Turkey lynching local humour mag LeMan over alleged prophet Mohammed cartoon
Radical Islamist mobs attacked Istanbul-based satirical magazine LeMan’s office. Police beat its personnel while detaining them. Politicians led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have targeted the magazine.